Adaptable drum practice device

ABSTRACT

An adaptable drum practice device includes an attachment mechanism, including a clip or a clamp; a sliding rail; a telescoping shaft; and a device practice pad; such that the device practice pad is rotationally connected to the shaft, which allows a drummer to set the device practice pad to preferred height and rotational, vertical, and horizontal angles, and longitudinal position. The adaptable drum practice device can further include a ball joint with a locking mechanism, and the telescoping shaft can further include upper and lower shafts. The adaptable drum practice device allows a practicing drummer to attach the adaptable drum practice device to an existing conventional training drum, quickly and securely, thereby allowing the drummer to have two drumming surfaces that resemble a drum and a hi-hat, cymbal, or additional drum.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of devices fordrumming practice and more particularly to methods, systems and devicesrelated to drum practice pads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drum practice pads are well known as convenient training equipment forpracticing drummers, which can provide a full drumming set-up for use inpractice or warm-up, while keeping sound levels at a minimum.

However, existing available practice pads are typically configured asone-level surfaces, or if configurable as a multi-level surface, canonly provide a static pre-determined configuration.

Existing devices are therefore not able to replicate normal drum setconfigurations fully, in the plurality of different configurations thatmay be preferred by individual drummers.

As such, considering the foregoing, it may be appreciated that therecontinues to be a need for novel and improved devices and methods fordrum practice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the presentinvention, wherein in aspects of this invention, enhancements areprovided to the existing models for drum practice pads and theirconfiguration.

In an aspect, an adaptable drum practice device for drum practice, caninclude:

-   -   a. an attachment mechanism, configured to attach to a plurality        of surfaces and objects;    -   b. a telescoping shaft, which is connected to the clip in one        end; and    -   c. a device practice pad, which is rotationally connected to the        shaft, such that the device practice pad is adjustable in all        dimensions;    -   whereby the adaptable drum practice device attaches to a main        drum practice pad with a preferred angulation and height, for        use during drum practice.

In a related aspect, the connection mechanism can be a clip or a clamp.

In a related aspect, the rotational connection of the device practicepad to the shaft can be configured via a ball joint.

In a further related aspect, the ball joint can be lockable.

In a related aspect, the telescoping shaft can further include an uppershaft and a lower shaft.

In another related aspect, the telescoping shaft can further include atelescoping lock.

In another aspect, a connection of the shaft to an upper elongated partof the connection mechanism can be longitudinally adjustable, whichallows for adjustment of an overlap of the device practice pad with themain drum practice pad.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an adaptable drum practice device,mounted to a conventional training drum, according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an adaptable drum practicedevice, mounted to a conventional training drum, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an adaptable drum practice device,mounted to a conventional training drum, according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an adaptable drum practice device,mounted to a conventional training drum, according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it should be observed thatthe present invention resides primarily in a novel and non-obviouscombination of elements and process steps. So as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will readily be apparent to those skilledin the art, certain conventional elements and steps have been presentedwith lesser detail, while the drawings and specification describe ingreater detail other elements and steps pertinent to understanding theinvention.

The following embodiments are not intended to define limits as to thestructure or method of the invention, but only to provide exemplaryconstructions. The embodiments are permissive rather than mandatory andillustrative rather than exhaustive.

In the following, we describe the structure of an embodiment of anadaptable drum practice device 100 with reference to FIG. 1, in suchmanner that like reference numerals refer to like components throughout;a convention that we shall employ for the remainder of thisspecification.

In an embodiment, an adaptable drum practice device 100 can include:

-   -   a) an attachment mechanism 102, which attaches to a main drum        practice pad 150, and is configured to attach to a plurality of        surfaces and objects;    -   b) a shaft 110, such that a first end of the shaft is connected        to the attachment mechanism 102; and    -   c) a device practice pad 120; wherein the device practice pad        120 is connected to a second end of the shaft 110.

In related embodiment, the attachment mechanism 102, can be a clip 102with inbuilt spring tension, as shown in FIG. 1, or it can be a clampwith a tightening screw, or some other conventional attachment mechanism102, which allows for easy attachment and removal of an adaptable drumpractice device to/from a main drum practice pad 150, or other surfacesor objects. Henceforth, whenever a clip 102 may be mentioned, it shallbe understood to also include use of any attachment mechanism 102.

In various related embodiments, the adaptable drum practice device 100can:

-   -   a. allow drummers to practice using a device resembling a hi-hat        cymbal, which is part of most drum sets;    -   b. allow a practicing drummer to clip an additional pad to the        existing device quickly, securely and easily allowing the        drummer to have two surfaces one being a conventional pad (not        part of the adaptable drum practice device 100) that resembles a        drum and another raised pad that resembles a hi-hat or cymbal.        The adaptable drum practice device 100 can also be slightly        modified to resemble another drum rather than a cymbal.    -   c. allow configurations of a practice drum, which is much closer        to what drummers experience when playing a conventional drum set    -   d. allow drummers to practice using a practice pad in order to        play quietly rather than playing loud drums.

In a related embodiment, the adaptable drum practice device 100 can beconfigured to resemble another drum, rather than a cymbal or hi-hat.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment wherein the adaptable drum practice device100 is configured with a shape that is substantially a wedge or acircular sector. In various related embodiments, the device practice pad120 can be configured in a plurality of different shapes, including fullcircular shapes to resemble a cymbal or drum.

In a related embodiment, the attachment mechanism 102 can attach to anexisting practice pad, such as a main drum practice pad 150, or aregular drum or drumming related device, which can all be in a pluralityof different sizes and shapes. The attachment mechanism 102 can alsoattach to other objects and surfaces, as desired by a drummer during apractice session.

In a related embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 1, the shaft can betelescoping, such that the shaft 110 further comprises an upper shaft112 and a lower shaft 114, such that the upper shaft 112 slides insidethe lower shaft 114, whereby the length of the shaft 110 can be adjustedto a preference of a drummer using the adaptable drum practice device100. The shaft 110 can further include a telescoping lock 116, which forexample can be a screw or lever that locks the position of the upper andlower shafts 112 114 to a preferred length of the shaft 110.

In a related embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the device practice pad 120can be rotationally connected to the shaft 110, via a ball joint 210.The ball joint 210 can be lockable via a locking mechanism 212, whichcan be an adjustable lock screw 212, and can further comprise anadjustment lever 214, whereby the device practice pad 120 can beadjusted to preferred rotational, vertical and horizontal angles.

In use, embodiments of the adaptable drum practice device 100 areintended to be struck by a drumstick 140 during practice, therebyemulating the action and feel of playing the main parts of aconventional drum set.

In related embodiments, the device practice pad 120 can be constructedaccording to conventional design principles that are well known in theart for practice pads, including lightweight designs with a rubberizedsurface.

In related embodiments, the attachment mechanism 102 can be constructedfrom metal, metal alloys, plastic, plastic composites, glass fiber,carbon fiber, wood, other suitable materials, and combinations thereof.

In related embodiments, the shaft 110 can be constructed from metal,metal alloys, plastic, plastic composites, glass fiber, carbon fiber,wood, other suitable materials, and combinations thereof. In relatedexample embodiments, the upper and lower shaft 112 114 can bemanufactured in machined stainless steel or an aluminum alloy.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, of an adaptable drum practicedevice 300, a connection of the shaft 110 to an upper elongated part 302of the attachment mechanism 102, can be longitudinally adjustable,whereby an overlap of the device practice pad 120 with a main practicepad 150 can be adjusted.

In a related embodiment, the upper elongated part 302 can furtherinclude notches 304, which allow a shaft 110 to be connected in aselected notch 304, to adjust the longitudinal position of theconnection of the shaft 110 to the attachment mechanism 102. Theconnection can for example be tightened from underneath with atightening screw (not visible in FIG. 3).

In a related embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, of an adaptable drumpractice device 400, the upper elongated part 302 of the attachmentmechanism 102, can further include a sliding rail 406, mounted in thelongitudinal direction of the upper elongated part, such that a lowerend 408, or base 408, of the shaft 110 can slide along, in, or on, thesliding rail 406, such that the connection of the shaft 110 to theattachment mechanism 102 is longitudinally adjustable, whereby anoverlap of the device practice pad 120 with a main practice pad 150 canbe adjusted.

In a further related embodiment, the lower end 408, or base 408, canfurther include a fastening screw 409, which can secure the lower end408 in a selected position in, or on, the sliding rail 406.

In various further related embodiments, the design of the sliding rail406 can be implemented according to the various design principles thatare well known in the art for sliding rails. The sliding rail 406 canfor example be a monorail, such that the lower end 408, or base 408, ofthe shaft 110 wraps around, or is connected on, the monorail, ratherthan as shown on FIG. 4, inside the sliding rail 406.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Many such alternative configurations are readily apparent, and should beconsidered fully included in this specification and the claims appendedhereto. Accordingly, since numerous modifications and variations willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated anddescribed, and thus, all suitable modifications and equivalents may beresorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. An adaptable drum practice device, comprising: a. an attachmentmechanism, configured to attach to a plurality of surfaces and objects;b. a shaft, such that a first end of the shaft is connected to theattachment mechanism; and c. a device practice pad, wherein the devicepractice pad is rotationally connected to a second end of the shaft,such that the device practice pad is adjustable to selected rotational,vertical, and horizontal angles; wherein the attachment mechanism isselected from the group consisting of a clip and a clamp; wherein theattachment mechanism further comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw;wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises an upper elongatedpart, which is connected to the upper jaw; wherein the upper elongatedpart further comprises a sliding rail; wherein the upper elongated partfurther comprises a free end and an attached end; wherein a lower end ofthe shaft is slidably connected to the sliding rail, such that the shaftis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of thesliding rail; such that the lower end of the shaft is configured toslide along the sliding rail, thereby setting a horizontal distance ofthe shaft to an attached surface; whereby the adaptable drum practicedevice attaches to a main drum practice pad with a preferred angulationfor use during drum practice.
 2. The adaptable drum practice device ofclaim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a clip.
 3. The adaptabledrum practice device of claim 1, wherein the rotational connection ofthe device practice pad to the second end of the shaft is configured viaa ball joint.
 4. The adaptable drum practice device of claim 3, whereinthe ball joint further comprises a locking mechanism, such that the balljoint is lockable.
 5. The adaptable drum practice device of claim 1,wherein the shaft is further configured as a telescoping shaft.
 6. Theadaptable drum practice device of claim 5, wherein the telescoping shaftfurther comprises an upper shaft and a lower shaft, such that the uppershaft slides inside the lower shaft.
 7. The adaptable drum practicedevice of claim 5, wherein the telescoping shaft further comprises atelescoping lock, which is configured to lock the telescoping shaft to apreferred length.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The adaptable drumpractice device of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the shaft furthercomprises a fastening screw, which is configured to secure the lower endin a selected position in the sliding rail.
 11. An adaptable drumpractice device, comprising: a. an attachment mechanism, which isconfigured to attach to a plurality of surfaces and objects; b. atelescoping shaft, such that a first end of the shaft is connected tothe attachment mechanism, wherein a length of the telescoping shaft canbe adjusted to a preferred length; and c. a device practice pad, whereinthe device practice pad is connected to a second end of the shaft;wherein the attachment mechanism is selected from the group consistingof a clip and a clamp; wherein the attachment mechanism furthercomprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw; wherein the attachment mechanismfurther comprises an upper elongated part, which is connected to theupper jaw; wherein the upper elongated part further comprises a slidingrail; wherein the upper elongated part further comprises a free end andan attached end; wherein a lower end of the telescoping shaft isslidably connected to the sliding rail, such that the telescoping shaftis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of thesliding rail; such that the lower end of the telescoping shaft isconfigured to slide along the sliding rail; whereby the adaptable drumpractice device attaches to a main drum practice pad with a preferredheight above the main drum practice pad, for use during drum practice.12. The adaptable drum practice device of claim 11, wherein theattachment mechanism is a clip.
 13. The adaptable drum practice deviceof claim 11, wherein the telescoping shaft further comprises an uppershaft and a lower shaft, such that the upper shaft slides inside thelower shaft.
 14. The adaptable drum practice device of claim 11, whereinthe telescoping shaft further comprises a telescoping lock, which isconfigured to lock the telescoping shaft to a preferred length.
 15. Theadaptable drum practice device of claim 11, wherein the device practicepad is rotationally connected to the second end of the shaft via arotational connection.
 16. The adaptable drum practice device of claim15, wherein the rotational connection of the device practice pad to thesecond end of the shaft is configured via a ball joint.
 17. Theadaptable drum practice device of claim 16, wherein the ball jointfurther comprises a locking mechanism, such that the ball joint islockable.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The adaptable drum practicedevice of claim 11, wherein the lower end of the shaft further comprisesa fastening screw, which is configured to secure the lower end in aselected position in the sliding rail.
 21. An adaptable drum practicedevice, comprising: a. an attachment mechanism, wherein the attachmentmechanism is a clip that is configured to attach to a plurality ofsurfaces and objects, wherein the clip further comprises an upper jawand a lower jaw; b. a shaft, such that a first end of the shaft isconnected to the upper jaw of the clip; and c. a device practice pad,wherein the device practice pad is rotationally connected to a secondend of the shaft, such that the device practice pad is adjustable toselected rotational, vertical, and horizontal angles; wherein the clipis configured to clip on to a side of a main drum practice pad, suchthat the shaft is configured to be substantially perpendicular to aplane of a drum surface of the main drum practice pad, when the clip isclipped onto the main drum practice pad; wherein the rotationalconnection of the device practice pad to the second end of the shaft isconfigured via a ball joint; wherein the shaft is further configured asa telescoping shaft; whereby the adaptable drum practice device isconfigured to attach to a main drum practice pad with a preferredangulation for use during drum practice.
 22. The adaptable drum practicedevice of claim 21, wherein the ball joint further comprises a lockingmechanism, such that the ball joint is lockable.
 23. The adaptable drumpractice device of claim 21, wherein the telescoping shaft furthercomprises an upper shaft and a lower shaft, such that the upper shaftslides inside the lower shaft.
 24. The adaptable drum practice device ofclaim 21, wherein the telescoping shaft further comprises a telescopinglock, which is configured to lock the telescoping shaft to a preferredlength.